A Guide to Living in North Devon

If you’re thinking about moving to Devon – and living in North Devon in particular – this guide will provide useful insight and information about the area, helping you get a better understanding of what it’s really like to live here.

From its beautiful coastline and sandy beaches to its rolling countryside, charming villages and bustling market towns, North Devon offers a unique combination of rural living, coastal life and everyday convenience. Whether you’re looking for a quieter pace of life, more space for your family, easy access to the outdoors, or simply a change of scenery, there are plenty of reasons why people choose to make North Devon their home.

In this guide, we’ll explore what it’s like to live in North Devon, including the different towns and villages, local amenities, schools, transport links, leisure opportunities and the wider lifestyle the area has to offer.

 

Where is North Devon?

So, where exactly is North Devon? North Devon is located in the South West of England, at the northernmost point of Devon. It is bordered by Exmoor to the east, the Bristol Channel to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and South and Mid Devon to the south and south-east.

The area is known for its spectacular and varied landscape. The North Devon coastline includes long stretches of sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, rocky coves and dramatic headlands, while inland you’ll find rolling countryside, rivers, woodland and farmland.

Devon itself borders Cornwall to the west, Somerset to the north-east and Dorset to the east.

North Devon has a character all of its own. Its rugged coastline and open countryside create a landscape and culture quite distinct from South Devon, giving the two regions a defining sense of place.

Where is Barnstaple?

Barnstaple is in the heart of North Devon, situated alongside the River Taw.

It is the largest of North Devon’s towns and acts as the main commercial and transport hub for the surrounding area. Its central location means residents can enjoy the amenities of a larger town while still being within easy reach of the coast and countryside. The city of Exeter is also easily accessible from Barnstaple by both road and rail.

Barnstaple town centre offers a mix of independent shops, national retailers, cafés, restaurants and traditional markets, alongside leisure and cultural facilities including a theatre and cinema.

Living in Barnstaple offers the perfect blend of the convenience and culture of a large market town combined with easy access to beautiful coastline and stunning countryside.

 

What is the best place to live in North Devon?

The best places to live in North Devon really depends on your lifestyle.

The North Devon towns of Barnstaple, Bideford and Ilfracombe offer the amenities you’d expect from larger towns, such as high street shops, cinema, theatres, bars and restaurants – with Barnstaple having the added bonus of good transport links.

Just outside of Barnstaple are several bustling villages including Bickington, Fremington and Pilton which have their own selection of shops, schools, pubs and village halls, yet are just moments from the main town centre.

If your ideal lifestyle involves being close to the sea, North Devon’s coastal towns and villages are likely to appeal. Westward Ho!, Braunton and Woolacombe are particularly popular with surfers and beach lovers.

Places such as Appledore, Instow and Hartland have a strong maritime heritage and a charming village atmosphere, while the wider coastline offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the South West.

Rural towns and villages such as South Molton, Combe Martin, Holsworthy, Chulmleigh and Great Torrington offer plenty of character and green space. North Molton has a charm all of its own, with a close-knit and lively village community, beautiful countryside on the doorstep and the dramatic landscapes of Exmoor close by. It’s a great place for those who enjoy village life, outdoor adventures and having plenty to see and explore.

We explore these unique places in more detail in our North Devon Towns & North Devon Villages blogs.

With so many places in North Devon to choose from, it’s worth considering what matters most to you – whether that’s being close to the beach, having good transport links, access to schools or simply enjoying a quieter pace of life. Whichever you choose, the beauty of North Devon means you are never far from a stunning change of scenery.

 

North Devon History

The history of North Devon is both rich and fascinating – and stretches back thousands of years.

Evidence of Iron Age and Bronze Age settlements can be found across Exmoor, while Barnstaple and Bideford grew in medieval importance as centres of trade and commerce. Along the rugged Hartland coastline, pirates, smugglers and shipwrecks became part of the area’s colourful maritime history.

During the Victorian era, Ilfracombe became a popular seaside resort, attracting visitors drawn to its coastline and picturesque setting. North Devon also played an important role during the Second World War, with Allied forces practising for the D-Day landings along the beaches around Saunton.

Today, North Devon remains renowned for its outstanding landscapes. In the 1950s, the region was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (now known as National Landscape), recognising the exceptional beauty and importance of its coastline, countryside and habitats. And as of 2023, it became a World Surfing Reserve – the UK’s first.

North Devon has also been home to many famous names, both past and present. These include artist Damien Hirst, whose statue Verity stands watch over Ilfracombe Harbour; Olympic athlete Jonathan Edwards; actress Dame Joan Collins; and author Charles Kingsley. It was also home to author Henry Williamson who wrote the much-loved novel ‘Tarka the Otter’: you’ll see ‘Tarka’ appear in many place names from pubs to sports clubs!

 

North Devon Weather

There’s nowhere more glorious to be on a hot summer’s day than North Devon! Being able to head out for a surf after work, enjoy an evening walk along the coast or watch the sunset over the Atlantic is one of the real pleasures of life in Devon.

Spring and autumn are wonderful too. With fewer visitors, the beaches and coastal paths are often quieter, making them perfect for walking the dog, exploring the countryside or simply enjoying the scenery without the summer crowds.

During winter months, the area can receive more rainfall than some other parts of England, but in Devon, we’re firm believers that there is no such thing as bad weather – only unsuitable clothing!

So whether you don your bikini or your wellies, don’t let North Devon weather hold you back – there’s so much to explore in this beautiful part of the world.

 

North Devon Demographics

According to North Devon Council, there are around 98,608 residents across North Devon, with the largest proportion of the population – 22.2% – aged between 50 and 64.

Barnstaple accounts for around 23,976 residents, making it by far the largest settlement in North Devon. The population of Barnstaple helps explain its role as the area’s main centre for shopping, employment, education, healthcare and transport.

North Devon attracts people at all stages of life. Many young people who were born or brought up in the area move away in their twenties to study or work, but plenty return after a few years of city living. For some, it’s the pull of family and friends. For others, it’s the beaches, countryside and more relaxed pace of life. Once you experience North Devon it’s hard to leave it forever!

 

Family life in North Devon

If you’re thinking about relocating to Devon with your children or starting a family, schools and family activities are likely to be high on your list.

North Devon offers a mixture of village primary schools, larger schools in the main towns and specialist education options.

Schools

There are lots of small village schools across the region, many with smaller class sizes and strong links with their local communities.

Secondary school options include Ilfracombe Academy, Braunton Academy, Atlantic Academy, Chulmleigh College, Bideford College, South Molton Community College, and Great Torrington School. The Park Community School and Pilton Community College are both located in Barnstaple.

West Buckland School, Kingsley School and Shebbear College provide independent education options, while specialist SEND schools include Pathfield School and Lampard Community School.

As with any house move, it is worth checking individual schools, catchment areas and admissions arrangements when deciding where to live.

Kids Clubs

Of course, children in North Devon have one enormous playground on their doorstep: nature itself. The beaches, fields, woodland, rivers and countryside provide plenty of opportunities for getting outside, which is one of the biggest attractions of living in North Devon.

There are also plenty of clubs and organised activities for children to enjoy. Tarka Leisure Centre in Barnstaple offers a range of facilities including swimming pools, a gym, and indoor skiing, while independent clubs across the region cater for everything from horse riding and surfing to athletics and tennis.

 

Transport

North Devon is well connected by road, with access from London and Bristol via the M5 and the recently improved A361 North Devon Link Road from Tiverton, and from Exeter via the A377.

For trains, North Devon is served by the Tarka Line, which runs from Barnstaple to Exeter, with various stops along the route. The railway provides an important connection for both adults and children travelling to Exeter for work, shopping, leisure and education.

There are also good bus routes between the main towns, although some of the more rural villages have less frequent services.

The Tarka Trail, which passes through some of the area’s most beautiful scenery, is a much-loved walking and cycling route, used by local residents for commuting and everyday journeys.

If you are considering relocating to Devon and want to live in a particularly rural location, having access to a car is likely to be useful.

 

Living in North Devon

So, what’s it really like living in North Devon?

For many people, it’s about having the best of both worlds: the everyday convenience of towns such as Barnstaple and Bideford, alongside the opportunity to explore the stunning coast and countryside right on your doorstep.

If you’re considering moving to the area, you can enjoy a North Devon lifestyle that feels a world away from busy city life, without being completely disconnected.

At Cavanna Homes, we have properties for sale across North Devon:

Hollywell Meadow in North Molton is perfectly located just moments from both Exmoor and the charming town of South Molton, offering an outdoor life with the convenience of shops, cafés and events on your doorstep.

Bickington Park is just a few minutes from Barnstaple and is an ideal location for making the most of everything North Devon has to offer, with local schools, shops, entertainment and transport links nearby, as well as the beautiful North Devon landscape on the doorstep.

With its combination of convenience, community and countryside, North Devon is a wonderful place to call home.